Severe Weather Information
Jump to: Tornado Action Tips | Protecting Yourself from Lightning | Flooding: Act Safely and Quickly
Updated every 5 minutes
Local TV Weather Pages:
Tornado Action Tips
TORNADO WATCH means conditions are right for tornadoes to form. Watch the sky and stay tuned to the weather!
TORNADO WARNING means a tornado has been sighted in your area - take shelter immediately in a basement or an interior ground floor or room.
Stay away from windows and large open areas like cafeterias or school gymnasium.
If you are outside, lie flat in a ditch or ravine and cover your head with your arms.
Do not stay in or under your car or mobile home -- both are easily overturned by tornadoes.
Do not try to outrun a tornado or drive from it in your car.
Weather radios could save your life! These radios have a special "warning alarm" feature that allows the NWS to automatically turn on the radio, day or night, in case of severe weather. The radio sounds a high pitched tone or comes on at a high volume to alert the listener.
The city of Homewood has a severe weather alert that will sound only in the event of a Tornado Warning. The siren will emit a long continuous blast for one to two minutes. Those outside should seek shelter indoors and tuned to the local weather station and proceed with their severe weather action plan. A test of the emergency weather sirens are conducted the first Wednesday of each month.
For more information on tornado safety contact your local Emergency Management Office.
Protecting Yourself From Lightening
When thunderstorms with lightning approach, you need to take cover quickly.
Lightning can be deadly so take steps to protect yourself.
Stay inside. Keep away from doors, windows and anything metal.
Avoid using the telephone, unless there is an emergency. Also avoid using electrical appliances -- lightning can strike near a building and travel through power lines into the building.
If you find yourself outside during lightning activity, stay away from things made of metal and objects taller than you, or things that are standing alone in open areas.
If there is no shelter in sight, find a low spot, kneel and make your body into a ball allowing for minimal contact with the ground. Do not lie flat -- wet ground can conduct lightning
For more information on lightning safety contact your local Emergency Management Office.
Flooding: Act Safely and Quickly
Knowing what to do and taking safety measures during heavy rains and severe weather, flash flooding or flooding, could save your life and the lives of your family.
During a thunderstorm or heavy rain watch for rising water levels. If you live in a low lying area, know where high ground is and how to get there quickly.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or news stations for weather updates and official information.
Remember a WATCH means take caution and a WARNING means take action.
Abandon your vehicle if it stalls. Be careful as you exit the vehicle so that you are not knocked down or fall into a ditch. Remember -- if there is water over the road, the drainage ditches will be full! The water may be much deeper than anticipated. Seek higher ground immediately.
Obey barricade warnings! You are putting your life and the lives of your family at risk when you ignore road warnings or disobey warning signs.
For more information on flood safety contact your local Emergency Management Office.
